Bill > SB807

This bill authorizes Maryland counties to develop and adopt local building energy performance standards that are at least as stringent as the state standards established by the Department of the Environment, provided these local standards receive departmental approval. The bill requires the Department to develop statewide building energy performance standards aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. Counties can create local standards that are either equally or more stringent than the state standards, or designed to achieve greater overall energy and greenhouse gas reduction benefits. If a county's standards are approved, they can enforce these standards through methods like establishing alternative compliance pathways and imposing fees and penalties. Importantly, a covered building subject to approved local standards will be exempt from complying with the statewide standards. The bill also mandates that building owners measure and report direct emissions data annually starting in 2025, and requires electric and gas companies to provide energy data to building owners for benchmarking purposes. The legislation is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and includes provisions for special considerations such as building age, regional differences, and unique needs of specific building types.

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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0807?ys=2025RS